The 2022-23 UEFA Nations League returns for its finals series this week and these Netherlands vs. Croatia predictions look at a crucial semi-final clash. The Netherlands lost out in the 2019 final, but this is Croatia’s first appearance in the competition’s latter stage.
Netherlands vs. Croatia odds
1 – Netherlands to win – 21/20
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 4/6
3 – Both teams not to score – 20/23
4 – Cody Gakpo to score anytime – 11/4
5– Netherlands to win 1-0 – 11/2
The Nations League presents national sides with a chance to win a trophy outside of the major European Championship and World Cup window.
The Covid-19 pandemic caused major disruption and cancellations to previous tournaments but the competition is back on track ahead of the 2022-23 finals.
Defending European champions Italy face rivals Spain in the other semi-final, as hosts Netherlands battle with Croatia.
Both sides have endured a mixed start to Euro 2024 qualifying, with the Netherlands hammered 4-0 by France in Paris before picking up a 3-0 win over minnows Gibraltar in Rotterdam. Croatia were held to a 1-1 home draw by Wales in their qualification campaign opener before a Mateo Kovacic double secured a 2-0 win over Turkey.
That form makes it difficult to pick a favourite. But home advantage probably gives Ronald Koeman’s La Oranje the edge.
Croatia’s results are probably a more accurate picture of where the two teams are ahead of this clash, with both Euro qualifiers for Zlatko Dalic’s team ending with under 2.5 total goals scored.
The Dutch shut Gibraltar out in March – and conceded four goals in five World Cup games at the back end of 2022, compared to Croatia letting in seven from seven.
Memphis Depay’s withdrawal due to injury has left Koeman will a problem to solve in attack and he is set to turn to World Cup hero Cody Gakpo. Gakpo’s three World Cup goals propelled Louis van Gaal’s team out of the group stages in Qatar and earned him a move to Liverpool.
A narrow win for the Netherlands would put them through to the final, on home soil for the first time, which would be a daunting clash with either Italy or Spain.
How to stream Netherlands vs. Croatia
You can watch Netherlands vs. Croatia live on Viaplay Sports 1 and Viaplay online.
Netherlands vs. Croatia last five matches
Netherlands last five matches
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18-06-2023 14:00
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14-06-2023 19:45
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25-09-2022 19:45
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22-09-2022 19:45
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14-06-2022 19:45
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Croatia last five matches
Netherlands top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 |
Croatia top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Netherlands vs. Croatia line-ups
Netherlands (4-3-3): Noppert; Dumfries, de Ligt, van Dijk, Ake; Simons, de Roon, Wijnaldum; Malen, Weghorst, Gakpo
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Domagoj, Sutalo, Sosa; Kovacic, Modric, Brozovic; Perisic, Kramaric, Petkovic
Netherlands team news
Koeman has been hit by two key injury withdrawals at both ends of the pitch, with first choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and striker Memphis Depay both ruled out. Gakpo is expected to replace Depay in attack, with Andries Noppert covering for Cillessen.
Croatia team news
Dalic’s injury concerns come mostly in defence, with Josko Gvardiol and Duje Caleta-Car both out. Josip Sutalo has stepped in for the retired Dejan Lovren since the 2022 World Cup – and Domagoj Vida is set to partner him as Gvardiol’s replacement for this tie.